Draíocht Arts Centre
Located in the heart of Dublin 15, Draíocht is an arts centre steadfastly committed to serving its local community and influencing arts practice far beyond. Its development was instigated by a passonate cohort of people from within this unique community, with its rich tradition of drama and musical theatre and fast-growing young and culturally diverse population. Their vision and determination was rewarded when Draíocht opened in 2001, a purpose-built space with two theatres, two galleries, an artist’s studio, a workshop space and a café.
With an eclectic but high quality programme that includes performance, visual arts and music from both up-and-coming and established artists, Draíocht now welcomes over 50,000 people of all ages, stages, interests and abilities a year, with some of those who visit coming to an arts event for the very first time. Draíocht’s belief in the transformative power of the arts, means that they place a lot of emphasis on encouraging and enabling the participation of those who may not have had prior opportunity to see or experience the arts. Another key area of focus is children and young people as Draíocht seeks to respond to and engage the community’s distinctively young demographic, with 23% of the local population under 15 years old. Draíocht’s unique Children’s Charter sets out their promise to the children and young people they serve.
Draíocht works closely and collaboratively with local, national and international artists and organisations who share their commitment to and ambition for these areas of work and ways of working. Draíocht nurtures and supports their practice and in doing so enriches its own. With a growing track record of success, Draíocht regularly shares their experience of working at the heart of an urban community with others and takes time to learn how others do it too.
Draíocht is funded by Fingal County Council and the Arts Council. It is a company limited by guarantee not having a share capital and is a registered charity. It is governed by a voluntary board of 6 people. The work of Draíocht is delivered by a full-team team of 10 people supported by part-time front of house staff and artist facilitators and is led by a Director who has overall responsibility for programming and the corporate management of the centre.
Draíocht’s Vision
Draíocht’s vision is of an Ireland where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and be enriched by the arts.
Draíocht’s Mission
Draíocht means magic. Its name gives it a clear mission: to share the magic of the arts. They do so in three ways:
- by presenting a lively, year-round programme of events, making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy
- by creating opportunities for their local community, and particularly children and young people, to discover and love the arts
- by collaborating with artists to develop work specifically for its audiences
Draíocht comprises two theatre spaces. The first is a flexible space, with one of the largest stages in Ireland, which can accommodate 286 people seated or 500 people standing. The second theatre space is a 92-seater studio theatre. Draíocht also boasts two gallery spaces and a self-contained artist’s studio. The space is completed with extensive backstage facilities, a bar/café area and a workshop/meeting room. Draíocht is staffed by 10 full time professionals including the following posts: Director, General Manager, Marketing, Press & PR Manager, Front of House Manager, Production Manager. Fingal County Council is the majority funder of Draíocht, with additional funding from the Arts Council of Ireland. Draíocht also has a loyal network of Friends who contribute annually to the company.